Everest South West Face Signed By Chris Bonington And Nick Estcourt

Author: Chris Bonington
Price: £175
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, London, UK
Publication Date: 1973
Edition: First edition
Format: Original cloth gilt with dustwrapper
Condition: Near fine in good dustwrapper
Pages: 352

Description:

The first edition of Bonington’s account of this failed attempt. Near fine in good, nicked, chipped and rubbed dustwrapper. Signed by Nick Estcourt who tragically lost his life on K2 and signed extraordinarily by Bonington who also states ‘Monty, Helvellyn is much tougher than Everest’. Whilst signed copies of this title are relatively common, an inscription of this nature by Bonington is much more desirable.

Sir Chris Bonington: A Short Biography

Sir Chris Bonington is a renowned British mountaineer, author, and lecturer, born on August 6, 1934, in Hampstead, London. Over his long and illustrious career, Bonington has made significant contributions to the world of mountaineering, becoming one of the most respected figures in the field.

Early Life and Education

Chris Bonington grew up in London and attended University College School in Hampstead. He later went on to study at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, where he was commissioned into the Royal Tank Regiment. His interest in climbing began at a young age, and he started exploring the hills of Wales and Scotland during his school days. Bonington’s passion for mountaineering deepened while he was serving in the British Army, where he had opportunities to climb in Europe.

Climbing Career

Bonington’s mountaineering career took off in the 1950s and 1960s. He gained recognition for his climbing achievements in the Alps, where he made first ascents of several challenging routes, including the Central Pillar of Freney on Mont Blanc. His first major Himalayan expedition was in 1960 when he joined an unsuccessful attempt to climb Annapurna II. In 1961, Bonington was part of the successful first ascent of the Central Tower of Paine in Patagonia, Chile. He continued to gain prominence with his involvement in the first ascent of the southwest face of Annapurna in 1970, a feat that marked a significant achievement in high-altitude mountaineering. Bonington is perhaps best known for leading expeditions to the Himalayas, including the successful 1975 expedition to the southwest face of Everest. Although he did not reach the summit himself, this expedition was a landmark in British climbing history, with Doug Scott and Dougal Haston becoming the first Britons to summit Everest. Bonington’s later climbs included notable expeditions such as the first ascent of the Ogre in the Karakoram in 1977, where Doug Scott famously broke both legs on the descent, and the successful climb of Mount Vinson in Antarctica in 1998, which completed his goal of climbing the highest peak on each of the seven continents.

Writing and Lecturing

Beyond his climbing achievements, Bonington has also made significant contributions as a writer and lecturer. He has authored numerous books, including “I Chose to Climb” (1966), “Everest the Hard Way” (1976), and “Ascent” (2017), which provide insights into his experiences and the world of mountaineering.

Honours and Recognition

Chris Bonington has received numerous accolades for his contributions to mountaineering. He was knighted in 1996 for his services to the sport. Additionally, he has been awarded the CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) and the Légion d’Honneur in recognition of his achievements.

Personal Life

Bonington has faced personal tragedy, including the loss of his wife, Wendy, to motor neuron disease in 2014. Despite this, he has remained active in the mountaineering community, continuing to inspire future generations of climbers with his dedication and passion for the mountains. Throughout his life, Chris Bonington has exemplified the spirit of exploration and adventure. His legacy as a mountaineer, author, and speaker continues to inspire people around the world.

Nick Escourt: A Short Biography

Nick Estcourt was a highly skilled and respected British mountaineer known for his contributions to some of the most challenging expeditions of the 1970s. Born on November 16, 1942, in Stroud, Gloucestershire, England, Estcourt became one of the leading climbers of his generation, celebrated for his technical expertise, courage, and innovative approach to mountaineering.

Early Life and Climbing Beginnings

Nick Estcourt developed an interest in climbing at a young age, inspired by the mountains of North Wales, where he began honing his skills. He attended Cheltenham College, where he further pursued his passion for climbing. His early climbs in the British Isles were characterised by bold and technically challenging routes, quickly establishing him as a promising climber.

Climbing Career and Notable Achievements

Estcourt’s climbing career was marked by a series of impressive ascents, both in the UK and internationally. He gained significant recognition in 1970 when he and his climbing partner, Mick Burke, made the first British ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, one of the most notorious and difficult faces in the Alps. This achievement solidified his reputation as an exceptional climber. In 1972, Estcourt was part of the British expedition that attempted the unclimbed southwest face of Mount Everest. Although the expedition did not succeed in reaching the summit, it was a pioneering effort that set the stage for future attempts on this challenging route. Estcourt’s most famous climb came in 1976 when he participated in the British-Southwest Face Everest Expedition led by Chris Bonington. Estcourt played a crucial role in this expedition, which successfully put two climbers, Doug Scott and Dougal Haston, on the summit of Everest via the previously unclimbed southwest face. Estcourt’s contribution to the expedition was instrumental, and he was recognised for his strength, leadership, and climbing ability.

Tragically, Nick Estcourt’s life was cut short during an expedition in 1978. He was part of an international team attempting the first ascent of K2’s West Ridge. On June 12, 1978, Estcourt was killed in an avalanche while climbing on K2. His death was a significant loss to the mountaineering community, and he is remembered as one of the finest climbers of his era.

Legacy

Nick Estcourt’s legacy lives on through his contributions to mountaineering and the impact he had on the climbing world. In his honour, the Nick Estcourt Award was established, which provides grants to expeditions that exemplify the spirit of adventure and exploration that Estcourt embodied. This award continues to support climbers who seek to undertake challenging and pioneering expeditions, ensuring that Estcourt’s spirit of adventure lives on.

Estcourt is remembered as a climber of remarkable ability and character, whose achievements and contributions to mountaineering have left a lasting mark on the sport.

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